Building a Legacy: Mentorship and E-commerce Success with Justin Cao
Manage episode 477886684 series 3551484
Welcome to the Maker-Manager Money podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Kyle Ariel Knowles sits down with Justin Cao, founder of multiple thriving Amazon FBA businesses generating over $7 million in revenue. Justin shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings as a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur to achieving financial freedom and success in e-commerce. Justin is also the founder of AMZSHIFU, which teaches how to launch and master an Amazon FBA business.
Here are three key takeaways from our conversation that I believe every entrepreneur can benefit from:
- The 1% Better Mindset: Justin emphasizes the importance of the "1% rule"—making minor, incremental daily improvements can lead to significant long-term success. He shared how this mindset helped him transform his life, from losing weight to building a thriving business. Instead of going all in and risking burnout, focus on consistent, manageable progress. This approach applies not only to business but also to personal development.
- The Value of Mentorship: Justin credits much of his success to the mentors who guided him. He highlights the importance of seeking out individuals who have already navigated the path you aspire to take. Mentorship can provide invaluable insights, accountability, and encouragement. As Justin says, "You need someone who knows what that top mountain looks like to guide you." This reminds us that we don’t have to go it alone; resources and people are willing to help us succeed.
- Customer-Centric Thinking: One pivotal shift in Justin's business strategy was changing his perspective from that of a seller to that of a customer. By focusing on how to serve customers better and meet their needs, he was able to create a successful product line. This customer-first approach is crucial in any business, as it fosters loyalty and encourages repeat purchases. Remember, it's not just about making a sale; it's about building relationships and providing value.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- The importance of the "1% better every day" mindset and how it transformed Justin's life.
- The role of mentorship in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
- Justin's early entrepreneurial struggles and the pivotal moments led him to Amazon FBA.
- Actionable strategies for product selection, marketing, and scaling your Amazon business.
- Insights into building a brand and leveraging Amazon's ecosystem for long-term success.
Justin also discusses his passion for giving back, his experiences as a mentor, and the legacy he aims to create through his foundation. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to scale your existing business, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation.
LINKS
Chapters
1. Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (00:00:00)
2. Justin Cao's Background and Journey (00:00:10)
3. The 1% Better Every Day Mindset (00:01:07)
4. Learning from Mentors (00:03:12)
5. Overcoming Setbacks in Entrepreneurship (00:03:56)
6. Early Jobs Before Entrepreneurship (00:04:43)
7. Getting Started with Amazon FBA (00:05:32)
8. First Products and Lessons Learned (00:06:59)
9. Shifting Mindset to Customer-Centric Approach (00:08:36)
10. Balancing a Job and Side Hustle (00:09:30)
11. Current Business Success and Growth (00:10:42)
12. Product Categories and Market Focus (00:11:48)
13. Understanding Amazon's Fulfillment Process (00:12:52)
14. Digital Marketing Strategies on Amazon (00:14:20)
15. Building a Brand Beyond Amazon (00:17:01)
16. Mentorship and Coaching Journey (00:18:15)
17. Using Amazon as a Launchpad (00:20:59)
18. Amazon Advertising and Marketing (00:21:16)
19. Customer Relationship Managemen (00:22:21)
20. Time Management Between Mentorship and Business (00:23:42)
21. Deciding to Leave the Full-Time Job (00:27:09)
22. Where to Find Justin Cao (00:27:35)
23. Personal Background and Influences (00:29:09)
24. Impact of Family and Legacy (00:32:12)
25. Lightning Round: Quick Questions (00:34:31)
26. Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship (00:37:48)
27. Closing Thoughts and Gratitude (00:39:26)
55 episodes